Domestic airports rehab forecast to boost Zim’s tourism

HARARE – Players in the tourism industry have welcomed the ongoing airports rehabilitation programme by the Airports Company of Zimbabwe.

They said this will complement efforts to grow the tourism sector to a US$3 billion industry by 2023, through improved connectivity across domestic destinations.

This comes after growing calls for the Government to consider upgrading its aviation infrastructure.

During his Independence Day celebrations speech, President Mnangagwa said the country was focused on the rehabilitation of local airports.

“Apart from the international airports, we are also moving forward with local connectivity through the rehabilitation of domestic airports and the works at Buffalo Range Airport are now done. We now move to the other provincial airports to boost our tourism,” President Mnangagwa said.

He said construction was ongoing for a Disaster

Recovery Centre and additional office space at Charles Prince Airport in Mount Hampden while other airports would receive different levels of upgrades.

Connectivity of domestic destinations is being serviced by Air Zimbabwe, Fast jet and recently, Kuva Air, which have brought efficiency within the country’s domestic aviation.

Tourism and Business Council president, Wengai Nhau said they were excited about the improved domestic air connectivity saying this would enhance the competitiveness of the country’s tourism destinations.

“The renovation of local airports plus the launch of direct flights into the country will go a long way in helping the country, especially tourism and business from a cost effective perspective,” he said. Airports Company of Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Tawanda Gusha praised the current competition in Zimbabwe’s airspace saying it will benefit the consumer through fair pricing.